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Pakistan began their tour of South Africa with an encouraging draw against an Invitation XI at Buffalo Park.

Last Updated: 28/01/13 6:59pm

Justin Ontong: Unbeaten 51 to defy Pakistan

The Invitation XI, set 323 to win, were poised on 190-5 in their second innings when the match was called off early.

Home team captain Justin Ontong made an unbeaten 51 after his side had seemed in danger of defeat when he went in to bat with his team on 101-4.

Pakistan opening bowlers Umar Gul and Junaid Khan both struck early in the second innings while Mohammad Irfan (2-26) and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (1-45) were also amongst the wickets.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first at the start of the match, wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed rescued Pakistan's first-innings with a valuable 93 to help the tourists post 329.

Vaughn van Jaarsveld responded with 92 for the Invitational XI but Ajmal's three wickets saw Pakistan take a 72-run lead in their second innings.

Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed then followed up their first-innings half-centuries with contributions of 83 and 51 respectively, leaving the Invitation XI a victory target of 323 in just under a day.

But, despite taking three early wickets, Pakistan could not force victory as Ontong held firm.

Pakistan travel to Johannesburg on Tuesday to prepare for the first of the three-Test series against South Africa starting at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday.